Bible Study Notes for Ephesians 2:1-10: Salvation by Grace

(Several years ago I was in a Bible study in which we studied Ephesians 2:1-10. Though the following notes are a bit rough and sketchy, I'm hoping someone studying this portion of Scripture will find them useful.)

Main idea(s)/Key verses
Everyone is born "dead" (Ephesians 2:1), that is, without Christ. Christ makes us alive, (Ephesians 2:5)
Saved by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:5 & 8)

How does this passage "connect" with what we studied in Romans? What truths are reiterated here?
Steve told us to read Romans 3.
Romans 3:10-18: No one is righteous, everyone was "dead" at one time or the other. Ties with Ephesians 2:1-4
Romans 3:22-24. Righteousness (salvation) is provided through faith in Christ, we are justified by grace. Ties with Ephesians 2:8.

How does the concept of being alive in Christ impact how we live?
vs. 2 talks about being disobedient, when we were dead, and of following Satan (the rule of the kingdom of the air). Now that we are alive, we follow God's commands & no longer follow Satan.

vs. 3 talks about gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature, when we were dead. Now that we are alive, we are no longer slaves to that nature; Christ is master. (or should be)

vs. 3 talks about being the objects of wrath -- being alive in Christ means when can live without fear of eternal damnation

vs. 6& 7 says that we have been raised up & seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. This allows us to live with the hope of future glory/happiness in heaven after death/rapture.

What are these "good works" God has called us to?
Good question... Only God is good. I think this means following/being obedient to God's commands. That since we are created in God's image, he has arranged for things for us to do which will bring Him glory (things that He would do.) Love -- being compassionate, creative??? (is that a good work?)

Discuss our life before and after Christ.
Personally, I don't remember much of what I was like when I was "dead", I accept Christ at a young age (5 or 6). I do know that when I am out of relationship with Christ, part of me is dead, and I am unhappy. If I'm right with God, even when things seem stressful, sad, I still have a peace at being "alive."

These scriptures talk about before: dead, rebellious, following Satan, doing bad things, doomed to hell
after: alive, obedient, following Christ, doing good things, promised to Heaven

What is the relationship between grace and works in the Christian life?
We are saved by grace -- this is something that Christ provided in his sacrifice. One work, however, that we are responsible for is accepting that sacrifice & acknowledging Christ's headship. Grace without works is dead; you must demonstrate you are walking with Christ/obedient by your actions/good works. This is what God wants, He's prepared specific things for you to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Blessings!

Source
Women's Devotional Bible. New International Version